NAIROBI, Kenya, March 27 – 2006 Safari Rally champion Azar Anwar, is the newest member to join Silverspread Team Meru which has entered six cars for the 63rd event that revs off next weekend to traverse Nairobi, Machakos, Laikipia and Meru counties over the long Easter holiday.
The team features 2013 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) two-wheel drive winner Dennis Mwenda, who is the oldest member, Job Njiru and Asad Khan.
Helen Shiri who will be driving in Subaru Impreza GC8, one of the only two lady drivers in the competition, is part of the smaller team includes Geoff Mayes and James Karimi in Toyota Levine and Subaru Impreza GC8.
Meanwhile, the Kabras Team of defending champion Baldev Chager, Onkar Rai and Tejveer Rai are back in the fold following fears that they could be locked out after failing to submit their entry forms by the Wednesday evening deadline.
Also in the race is former Uganda champion Jas Mangat.
Limuru based Quentin Mitchell has announced an ambitious plan for Global Rallying domination in the event that will see drivers compete in the 9000km course, making the rally more of an endurance event as opposed to a sprint competition .
Quentin will be navigated by British Tom Woodburn in his Skoda Fabia S2000 super car by rising.
Quentin, who will be seeking the title after finishing the podium twice in 2012 and 13, has set himself a five year target of competing regularly in the World Rally Championship.
And after three years of being the fastest Subaru driver in East Africa he is now hoping that the more agile Skoda will allow him a fair chance at fighting for the top step of the podium.
“Preparations for last year’s Safari were less than ideal as taking delivery of the car was delayed until the very last minute. This year we are much better organized and with the rally moving back to its historic Easter date I’m excited to take to the start on Easter Friday.
“The route looks amazing, a genuine throwback to the old marathon events, and it is obvious the organizing team have worked very hard to give us an event worthy of consideration into the international arena,” said Mitchell.
